I LOVE STREET

MVRDV realised I LOVE STREET in collaboration with students of the Seosuk Elementary
School as one of the third edition of the Gwangju Folly The 960m2 permanent intervention
explores how architecture contributes to urban regeneration by playing both decorative and
functional roles in public spaces. The project was conceived in a participatory process.

FOLLIES: SENSE AND NONSENSE

Follies are, essentially, small interventions in urban spaces and although considered to be art pieces,
they are somehow perceived as frivolous, temporary, and at times innocent and unserious. They are
made by artists and architects, mostly on the basis of their own fantasies. They are elements that aim
to make ‘no sense’ and some might argue that they are ‘nonsense’. But follies can help to point the
observer in another and surprising direction, thus helping them visualize current urban problems. They
are playful whilst allowing for a critical engagement and, importantly they can bring about smaller
examples of grander dreams and ambitions. Follies can be tested on a small scale and can contribute
as real drivers of policy changes in a city.

GWANGJU 1

Gwangju is known for its industrial qualities. A city with a booming car industry situated between
beautiful surroundings of cherry blossoms and nature, but in recent years has become dominated by
cars and lacks many pedestrianised zones, especially in its old part of town. From 2011, Gwangju, follies
located all across Gwangju are designed to achieve urban regeneration by providing a cultural rebirth
to its downtown area after 40 years of rapid industrial growth. These interventions are a step in
refocusing attention on abandoned areas of the city with the potential to transform them into more
livable and pleasant areas as they develop in time.

GWANGJU FOLLY TOWN

The decision a while ago to make a series of follies in Gwangju was a courageous and experimental
first step. Some have become highly successful, like the lifted band designed by Juan Herreros that
helped to raise attention about a neglected part of the city, turning it into a highly used area
afterwards. There are also the stairs to the city’s Green Corridor, designed by Seung H-Sang, which
functions as a small culture center. The follies are a phenomenon that no other city has developed.
Thus, they are able to make the city of Gwangju sexier, more attractive, and more widely known. This
now starts to come down to one thing other cities don’t have: a Folly Town.

FOLLY RESEARCH

Concentrating on the old city of Gwangju, a series of research initiatives has been undertaken. By
comparing Gwangju to other cities in Korea and around the world, its strengths and weaknesses have
been evaluated. Gwangju, for instance, seems less walkable than other cities, and has insufficient
public transportation. It is less bikeable, less attractive for tourists, has fewer green spaces, and is less
cool in the summer than other cities. In addition, it is less energy independent and features fewer
libraries, exhibitions, theatres, sports venues, playgrounds, and urban events than many cities.

THE “I LOVE” STREET FOLLY

Jebong-ro 82 (Seosuk Elementary School, 26, Jebong-ro 82 beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju) will be closed
for traffic. In collaboration with Seoseok Elementary School, a series of their requests has been
explored. That has led to multiple different pavements that can be used for sitting, painting, jumping
on trampolines, and playing in the sand. By shaping these pavements in a series of letters, a true text
appears, indicating people’s love for many things through ‘I LOVE’. At the same time, a neutral square
space at the end of the text is maintained for everyone’s personal use, and it can even be painted and
adapted like a canvas. I LOVE can thus become I LOVE KOREA, I LOVE KIM, I LOVE WALKING, I LOVE
THE MAYOR, I LOVE GWANGJU, or I LOVE YOU, for example. This text can be seen from a special tribute
spot at the beginning of the street. This tribute also provides access to a platform that is five meters
high, with a bench and a table. From here, the gardens can be viewed and a selfie can be taken. The
chalkboard space is transformed into a dance floor every evening with special lights, while love songs
from Jeroen Kooijmans will be played to get people dancing – I LOVE DANCING!

WHAT’S NEXT?

Within the current time frame and budget, the I LOVE folly and street has been realized. But why not
follow through with the rest, and even more? If this can be achieved then it will create possibilities to
walk around the emerging city and soak in its observations on the future. Folly Town.

Types

We use own and third-party cookies that allow us analyses the use and measurement to ensure that our website works correctly and to improve our services. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to our Cookie Policy Read more